genius loci

[ gen-i-oos loh-kee; English jee-nee-uhs loh-sahy, -kahy ]

noun

, Latin.

1. the guardian spirit of a place.
2. the distinctive character or atmosphere of a place with reference to the impression that it makes on the mind.

genius loci

/ ˈdʒiːnɪəs ˈləʊsaɪ /

noun

1. the guardian spirit of a place
2. the special atmosphere of a particular place

Word History and Origins

Origin of genius loci¹

genius of the place

Example Sentences

And how could they be in any art that is, above and beyond all else, a celebration of genii loci, spirits of place?

From New York Times

Kosky is the latest in a series of innovative directors that Reese has invited to put their own spin on the works of the theater’s genius loci.

From New York Times

As I pedaled on through the bosky, quiet terrain, I became aware of a peculiar genius loci, the spit’s ephemeral sense of place.

From Wall Street Journal

Yet I certainly don’t feel the genius loci of Tufnell Park very strongly.

From The Guardian

That idea of genius loci—the spirit of a place—comes as a happy accident.

From Literature